Description
This gene encodes a member of "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs" (ADAMTS) family of multi-domain matrix-associated metalloendopeptidases that have diverse roles in tissue morphogenesis and pathophysiological remodeling, in inflammation and in vascular biology. The encoded preproprotein undergoes proteolytic processing to generate an active, zinc-dependent enzyme that degrades cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. The deficiency of the encoded protein decreases atherosclerosis in genetically hyperlipidemic mice and in response to vascular injury. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms, some of which may undergo similar processing